It was a pleasure to welcome everyone back to Falkirk Bowling Club on Thursday night for the first meeting of 2023, and to welcome our guest, Charles Everitt.
A retired wildlife crime Police officer, he has been photographing nature for over 20 years. Charles was the Scottish Nature Photographer of the Year in 2020 and has been a category winner in both the British Wildlife Photography Awards and Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year. His series of 3 articles in “Outdoor Photography” magazine on photographing wildlife within the confines of the law concludes this month. He has self-published 4 books on the Water of Leith, the East Lothian coastline, Mull, and the nature found within 50 metres of a golf green near his home. Charles currently works as a part-time ranger on Dundas Castle Estate between South Queensferry and Kirkliston. His presentation, “ Moving On ”, gave an insight into the direction his nature photography is presently heading.
Photographs of Dean Village and the Water of Leith cast new light on these popular areas for photographers. Colourful reflections on the Water of Leith at night, clever use of slow shutter speeds on flowing water with the foliage and texture of riverside rocks, and many varieties of backlit flowers formed an inspiring start to the evening. Charles then illustrated his love of Abstract styles both on water and land, also showing and explaining a new approach to the use of Intentional Camera Movement.
Moving out into the estuary of the River Forth photographs of birds in flight, photographed to convey the movement of wings, along with photographs of seals and pups were captivating. Charles closed his presentation with a selection of particularly awe inspiring photographs. We are accustomed to photographs of Humpback Whales in the ocean. Charles has photographed these magnificent mammals in the vicinity of the Forth bridges and with the skyline of Edinburgh in the background. Truly astonishing images which led to club Syllabus Secretary Graeme Buchan delivering a hearty vote of thanks.
Members congratulated Agnes Clark LRPS on her recent successes on the International Salon of Photography circuit. Between Hungary, the Netherlands, and Serbia, Agnes achieved 11 Acceptances including 4 Honourable Mentions.
Club members were reminded that January 19th was the hand – in date for 3 From 6, and January 26th was the hand – in date for Monthly Competition 4.
Next week brings a Members Night with everyone invited to bring forward ideas for such evenings in the future.
Take care and thanks for looking in.